Indonesia Protests: Is It Safe to Travel to Bali and Other Parts of the Country?
Indonesia has recently experienced its most severe unrest in decades, with violent protests erupting across 32 of its 38 provinces, including popular tourist destinations such as Bali. The demonstrations, which began over concerns regarding political privileges and government spending priorities, have escalated into widespread violence, fatalities, and mass arrests. Despite these developments, the Indonesian government maintains that the country remains open and safe for visitors.
Background and Causes of the Protests
The unrest started on August 25, 2025, when protesters gathered outside Indonesia’s national parliament in Jakarta. The initial spark was public outrage over revelations that lawmakers were receiving lavish perks, including housing allowances that significantly boosted their monthly income to around 100 million rupiah (approximately $6,150). This figure sparked widespread anger, as it highlighted the stark contrast between politicians’ earnings and the low wages of ordinary citizens.
From Jakarta, protests quickly spread to other cities, with demonstrations recorded in 32 provinces within days, according to the home minister. While initially focused on political corruption and elitism, the protests have since attracted broader groups concerned about economic hardship, tax increases, and government spending priorities. This has made the movement increasingly complex, with no single leader or unified agenda.
Escalation and Violence
Tensions boiled over on August 28, when a motorcycle taxi driver, uninvolved with the protests, was fatally struck by a riot police vehicle in Jakarta. The incident inflamed public anger and triggered renewed waves of violent clashes, including arson and looting. Security forces responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons, leading to accusations from rights organizations and Human Rights Watch condemning the government’s heavy-handed tactics.
As of September 2, the death toll stood at eight, with at least 1,200 people detained in Jakarta alone. Multiple police and government buildings have been vandalized or set on fire throughout the country.
Impact on Bali and Tourism
Bali, Indonesia’s premier tourist destination and a crucial contributor to the nation’s economy, has also witnessed protests. Tourism accounts for more than half of Bali’s economy, with 6.3 million foreign visitors in 2024 exceeding the island’s population of 4.5 million.
On August 30, demonstrations reached Denpasar, Bali’s capital, where protesters gathered outside police headquarters and legislative council offices, resulting in stone-throwing and vandalism. Security forces used tear gas to disperse crowds, and 158 people were arrested, though most were quickly released. Three individuals remain in custody on charges related to stealing police property and using Molotov cocktails.
In response, Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster led a deployment of Pecalang, traditional Balinese community security guards, to preserve order on the island. The Pecalang leadership condemned the violence and committed to maintaining safety and peace for residents and visitors alike.
Government Measures and Travel Safety
The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism released a statement on September 2 reassuring international tourists that the country remains safe and open. The ministry emphasized that all major tourist destinations are accessible and that security measures are in place. Travelers were encouraged to remain calm and confident in their visit.
Emergency contact numbers were also provided for travelers requiring urgent assistance:
- Ministry of Tourism “Halo Wonderful” Hotline: +62 811-895-6767 / +62 21-3838-000
- Police: 110 / 112
- Fire Department: 113 / 1131
- Ambulance: 118 / 119
- Search and Rescue (SAR): 115
International Travel Advisories
Several countries have updated travel advisories cautioning their citizens to remain vigilant but have not issued outright travel bans:
- United Kingdom: Travelers should avoid protest areas due to unpredictable violence.
- Australia: Advises caution, particularly in Denpasar, Bali, but does not recommend canceling plans. Australians represent a significant portion of Bali’s tourists.
- United States: Warns of demonstrations near key government buildings in Jakarta and urges avoidance of crowds.
- Singapore: Recommends avoiding rallies and registering travel plans with local embassies.
- Malaysia: Advises postponement of non-essential travel and close monitoring of government updates.
- Japan: Urges citizens to avoid protest-heavy areas around Jakarta’s legislature.
- Canada: Warns of potential violence, though specific recommendations were incomplete at the time of reporting.
Conclusion
While Indonesia is undergoing significant political unrest and violent protests, the government is actively working to contain disruptions and assure safety, especially in key tourist areas such as Bali. Travelers are advised to remain cautious, stay informed of local developments, and avoid protest zones to ensure a safe visit. The situation remains fluid, and visitors should monitor updates from official channels and their home countries’ travel advisories.
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